The impact of prison reforms on the inmate rehabilitation programs in Kenya: a case study of Kamiti and Langata prisons
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Date
2009Author
Ogeto, Ambrose N
Type
ThesisLanguage
en_USMetadata
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This study set to find out the impact of prison reforms on the inmate rehabilitation programs in Kenya. It took a case study ofLangata and Kamiti prisons. Kenya prisons service is reported to have undertaken reforms since the year 2001. However, no study has been undertaken to ascertain the impact of the reforms on the rehabilitation programs. The objectives of this study were to determine the existing rehabilitation programs in Kenya Prisons Service, to establish the reforms which have taken place, the impact of the reforms and suggested reforms.
The literature review covered the inmate rehabilitation programs, prison reforms, their impact on programs and suggested reforms. The review covered cases from the global level, Africa and Kenya. The research applied Differential Opportunity theory, the psychological theories and the Structural Functionalist theory to guide the study. The research sites were Langata Women and Kamiti Main Prisons. A total of 104 respondents were interviewed including 53 prison officers who were employed before the . year 2001 and 51 inmates who have continuously or variously served sentences of imprisonment since the year 2001.
The study applied both qualitative and quantitative research methods through use of questionnaire, interviews and observations. Data analysis applied the statistical package for social scientists (SPSS) most specifically descriptive statistics. Some of the key findings include the following; there are rehabilitation programs existing within the prison service; reforms which have taken place, though appreciated by stakeholders, they are minimal and the department needs to put more efforts to realize a good spirit which has been noted.
Publisher
University of Nairobi, Kenya